Category: Cavities

What is SDF? Our office has started using a material called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to help treat tooth decay. Silver diamine fluoride can arrest dental decay because of it’s specific components.  The silver component has antibacterial properties which stop the spread of a cavity, while the fluoride component helps to remineralize tooth structure. SDF can be effective in treating dental cavities with a variety of patients, but in particular, pediatric patients. What can it be used for? Silver diamine fluoride is not for every situation, as it does not permanently cure the area of decay. In order for it Read More →

We’ve all had that dreaded dream of losing teeth in our sleep. What happens when we are truly faced with this situation? While we may not want to think of needing to have a tooth extraction, there are many circumstances that can require this treatment. Traumatizing events can happen in the blink of an eye. A piece of workout equipment lands on our face and knocks out a front tooth. You bite down on a hard candy and hear a crunch that crumbles your tooth. You hit a tooth with a fork while eating a salad. These are all real-life Read More →

In dentistry, we tend to tell our patients that we don’t have a crystal ball. Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to tell a patient when their tooth or fillings will break, begin to hurt or decay. What we can tell a patient is what we currently see in their mouth and how we can treat it. Fillings are common practice in dentistry, and are needed when a tooth has a cavity, fractures or is being used esthetically to fill spaces. We are asked daily how long a filling should last. There are many dimensions to this question, so let Read More →

There are many causes of tooth pain. Sometimes it is directly related to your teeth, such as decay or gum disease. Other times it is indirectly related to your teeth, such as pressure or infection in your sinuses. Our experience has led us to the following top 10 reasons for tooth pain: Tooth decay Tooth abcess Gum disease Tooth fractures Temperature Sensitivity Damaged fillings or sealants Teeth grinding or clenching Improper brushing or flossing Misaligned teeth or impacted wisdom teeth Orthodontic Alignment If you are having pain or sensitivity it is important to see a Dentist right away. Waiting too Read More →

Did you know that over 600 million pounds of candy are sold during the week of Halloween with October 28th being the highest selling day? We all love this holiday, but there are ways to celebrate and keep those trick-or-treaters happy without the risk of tooth decay! Alternative handouts to candy: ~ for those afraid of the dark or who just enjoy lighting up the night, receiving light up glow sticks, bracelets or necklaces are fun and help parents keep track of their little ghouls. ~ small bottles of water to quench the thirst from hauling around heavy costumes and Read More →

via GIPHY When a patient arrives with an aching tooth, their first thought may be to “TAKE THIS THING OUT”! For some cases an extraction may be the only option; however, that is a decision that you and your dentist can make together. Making the best choice now could save you time and money in the long run. Many times when a patient arrives with a constant, throbbing tooth, it likely needs a root canal. A root canal replaces infected pulp in a tooth’s canal and may be completed by your General Dentist or by an Endodontist. Once the root Read More →

Many of us have had braces and know how difficult it can be to keep them clean. Especially when eating foods like bread, corn on the cob, foods with seeds and so much more. Here are some helpful ways to continue good oral hygiene while having braces. Brushing: You will want to brush after every meal and before bedtime for at least 2 minutes. It is best to use an electric toothbrush. You may need to replace your toothbrush more often than normal due to the extra wear your braces will place on the bristles. It is a good idea Read More →

We’ve all been there, waking up in the middle of the night, not being able to fall asleep, and enduring a long, painful day, all because of a toothache. We’ve asked out doctors to help us in identifying the most common reasons for dental pain, listed below. Some of the more common ways dental pain is experienced are: Sensitivity to temperature Pain when biting or chewing Dull or throbbing aches Constant Pain The most common issues associated with these types of pain include: Infection: If you have swollen gums, a small bump on your gums, or fluid or pus present, Read More →

We understand that coming to the dentist causes a certain amount of anxiety for many of our patients, young and old alike. It may be the fear of the unknown, a difficult personal experience, or stories of a ‘bad experience’ from a friend or family member. It is our goal at Family Dentist Tree to ensure all of our patient’s feel comfortable during their appointments. We would like to offer some tips that may be helpful in preparing your child for a positive first visit to the dentist. Our dentists recommend your child’s first check-up and cleaning around age three, Read More →

There are a number of common habits that can cause harm to your teeth that you may not know about. For example, drinking certain beverages, chewing on things like ice or popcorn kernels, smoking, and lip or tongue piercings. Casual everyday things, such as, not wearing a mouth guard, hard bristled brushes and using your teeth to open things can damage your teeth in many ways. Ask about a custom mouth guard at your next visit! Mouth guards are recommended for anyone participating in contact sports. They protect your teeth from cracks and fractures. Tongue or lip piercings can chip and crack Read More →